It has often been said that it is very difficult to take a look at one’s self. Let it be known that it is no different when looking at your agency. In 2003, the City of Stockton, Parks and Recreation Department decided to explore the idea of being an accredited agency through the National Recreation and Park Association resulting in a lot of mixed emotions. After all, we were perfect. Needless to say, as the department delved into the 155 standards set forth by the Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies (CAPRA), it was apparent that improvements were needed.

The department began the accreditation process in 2004 and took nearly two years of planning and preparation by Stockton Parks and Recreation staff. Although many documents were in place, they had not been updated on a regular basis and were not centrally located. Along with updating, some documents needed to be created. The standards set forth represented elements of effective and efficient parks and recreation operations.

The first step was to establish committees to address each of the ten sections listed in the accreditation manual. An accreditation coordinator and lead staff were assigned to each section. Initially the staff was leery of what was ahead and fearful of the skeletons in the closet. However, once the work began the excitement and enthusiasm touched more and more people throughout the department, creating a strong team of dedicated and determined individuals.

Although painful at times due to the additional workload, it was enlightening and educational. It established an environment for regular reviews of procedures, policies and operations for years to come.

One of the exhilarating outcomes of the accreditation process was the awe-inspiring support by other city departments. Everyone from the departments/offices of Mayor, City Manager, City Council, Human Resources, Risk Management, Planning, Finance, etc. embraced our challenge and gave us their expertise and assistance to ensure that our department had the resources available to meet all the standards. When the department appeared before CAPRA, the City Manager sat with the team to illustrate the city’s support for park and recreation professionalism and its goal to deliver quality programs and services.

So what does an accredited agency mean? It means that Stockton Parks and Recreation has policies and procedures in place to bring the community a well-administered service through approved professional practices. It, too, brings a number of benefits to the department. Besides the assurance of well-administered services in accord with approved professional practices, it has translated into external financial support and savings to the public. Additional sponsorships and grants have been received through local businesses for “Ice on the Delta,” equipment replacement on the golf courses, computer labs for the community centers, etc. as a result of the accreditation. Without a doubt, it holds the agency accountable to the public and ensures quality services. It has brought recognition of a quality municipal government service throughout the community.

The department has seen recognition both publicly and politically. Recognition from the Council of Governments has been bestowed upon the department for infrastructure and programming efforts. The Chamber of Commerce is proud to have the department accredited and uses it as a marketing tool to promote the City of Stockton; community groups also acknowledge the efforts of the department. There is a sense of quality throughout the city as well as pride.

Receiving accredited status has increased efficiency and provides evidence of accountability. It validates the process and the way we do business. It has enhanced staff teamwork and pride in what they do. The department continues to ask the question: “How are we doing?” Planning future programs or events has a whole new meaning and level of professionalism. The CAPRA process drives our mission and is a major consideration as we move forward.

The CAPRA experience is proving to be invaluable as we go all-out to provide our patrons with programs, facilities and services of the highest quality within an environment of constant change. It is a reflection of team building and habituation that makes us stronger and wiser in our field.

Now that the initial process is over and the department has received its accreditation, it is important to stay focused and not lose ground. Annual reviews of the comprehensive recreation program plan, marketing plan, strategic plan, communication plan, programming, infrastructure, parklands, to mention a few, are critical. The department is currently going through a needs assessment that is long overdue. It is our goal to ensure that such assessments are done every 10 years in order to stay abreast of trends and to serve the community appropriately. Semi-annual and annual reports are provided to the City Council and the Stockton Parks and Recreation Commission documenting the accomplishments over the year. This is a great opportunity to show the true value the park and recreation system delivers to its community. Monitoring and evaluation provide the necessary data to ensure ongoing support. Stockton has an accreditation committee that meets monthly and has assigned a staff member to serve as the coordinator for ongoing updates and reviews. It is highly recommended that all agencies that have accomplished the accreditation use this format.

Stockton Parks and Recreation became the first park and recreation agency in California to become accredited by the NRPA Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies. Now, several months after receiving the accreditation, staff hold strong to provide quality programs, parklands, events and facilities to the community. The original sense of fear has dissipated and transformed into
perseverance, dedication, quality and pride as a park and recreation professional. Although the process was intense and time consuming, the outcome far outweighs any uncertainties that lingered in the beginning. Stockton is looked upon as a model for other California cities. The department encourages other California agencies to accept the challenge. Roll up your sleeves and get started. No matter how much time the process takes or the fear that may be lurking, the outcomes will speak for themselves. The Stockton Parks and Recreation Department is ready and willing to assist in any way to ensure your success.

The department would like to take this time to send a special “Thank You” to the Mayor, City Council, City Manager, City Departments, Stockton Parks and Recreation Commission and the community for their support and believing in our vision. Without your support and vote of confidence, the department would not have been successful in this endeavor.